Key Takeaways:
- Clair Obscur redefines turn-based combat by making parries essential.
- Doom: The Dark Ages offers the most readable and satisfying parry system yet.
- Even Sekiro is now manageable — proving it’s never too late to learn.
For years, parrying was my sworn enemy. I bailed on Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice at Lady Butterfly, never learned to time sword clashes in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, and leaned heavily into the dodge-and-shoot chaos of Bloodborne. But 2025 changed everything. With the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Doom: The Dark Ages, and a return to Sekiro, I found myself confronting — and finally embracing — parry mechanics in games that made them unavoidable, and surprisingly fun.
Parrying in Sekiro and Kingdom Come: A Tale of Two Frustrations
Returning to Sekiro after trying Clair Obscur felt like diving into deep water again. The game’s razor-tight timing windows and relentless bosses demand you either learn to parry or give up. I had done the latter years ago, but this time I was prepared. Sort of.
In contrast, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 left me flailing. The game’s medieval swordplay demands precision and directional awareness that I just couldn’t master. Despite loving the world and everything else about the game, the parry-heavy combat left me constantly drained of stamina and outmatched. It’s a brilliant system — just not for me.
Also read: Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection Lets Players Unlock Secrets Instantly
Clair Obscur Turns Turn-Based Battles Into Parry Arenas
What finally started to click was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Its combat blends classic turn-based RPG elements with real-time defensive actions. If you can’t parry — you can’t win. Think Mario & Luigi or Sea of Stars with the difficulty turned up.
Each enemy demands you learn attack patterns and nail perfect timing to block. Losing becomes part of the process — not a failure, but a rhythm game-style lesson. It’s mentally engaging, physically demanding, and endlessly satisfying when you get it right.
Doom: The Dark Ages Makes Parrying Visceral and Visual
Of all the games this year, Doom: The Dark Ages made parrying the most accessible. Rather than relying on subtle cues, attacks you can parry glow bright green and give you a clear moment to react. It slows down the usual Doom chaos just enough to emphasize the satisfaction of a well-timed counter.
Despite the game’s more grounded pacing compared to Doom Eternal, it delivered tense, tactical fights where success hinged on reacting rather than rushing. It’s the only Doom game that made me consider upping the difficulty just to test my parry prowess.
Conclusion: Parry Mechanics Finally Landed a Hit on Me
I used to dodge, shoot, or simply quit. But now, after Clair Obscur and Doom: The Dark Ages, I find myself watching animations, learning patterns, and — yes — loving parrying
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
